HomeMy WebLinkAboutBoard of Library Trustees 2025-04-15 Agenda Packet (Special)1
BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES
APRIL 15, 2025 AT 6:00PM
CITY HALL LARGE CONFERENCE ROOM
THIRD FLOOR
1400 5TH AVE, SAN RAFAEL, CALIFORNIA
This meeting will be held in person. The meeting is being streamed live via Zoom:
https://bit.ly/BLT-04-15-2025
Want to listen to the meeting over the phone?
Call: (669) 444-9171 and enter 811-5794-7289#
How to participate in the meeting:
• Provide comments in-person at the meeting. You are welcome to come to the meeting and
provide public comment in-person. Each speaker will have 2-minutes to provide public comment.
• Submit your comments by email by 4:00 p.m. the day of the meeting. Comments can be
submitted to jinder.banwait@cityofsanrafael.org.
AGENDA
CALL TO ORDER – 6:00PM
MINUTES
1. Approve regular meeting minutes of March 11, 2025
Recommended Action – Approve as submitted
OPEN TIME FOR PUBLIC EXPRESSION
The public is welcome to address the Library Board at this time on matters not on the agenda that
are within its jurisdiction. Comments may be no longer than 2 minutes and should be respectful to
the community.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
2. Creando Enlaces Conference – Lea Aschkenas and Alejandra Barrios
OTHER AGENDA ITEMS
If necessary to assure completion of the following items, the Chairperson may establish time limits for
the presentations by individual speakers.
3. Update on Library Programming
Recommended Action: Receive and Comment
STAFF LIAISON REPORT
4. Other brief program updates or reports on any meetings, conferences, and/or seminars attended
by staff.
COMMISSIONER REPORTS
5. Other brief reports on any meetings, conferences, and/or seminars attended by the Board
members.
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ADJOURNMENT
Any records relating to an agenda item, received by a majority or more of the Board less than 72 hours
before the meeting, shall be available for inspection online and in the city hall large conference room, third
floor, 1400 5th Avenue, San Rafael, California placed with other agenda-related materials on the table in
front of the location prior to the meeting. Sign Language interpreters may be requested by calling (415)
485-3066 (voice), emailing city.clerk@cityofsanrafael.org or using the California Telecommunications Relay
Service by dialing “711”, at least 72 hours in advance of the meeting. Copies of documents are available in
accessible formats upon request. To request Spanish language interpretation, please submit an onli ne form
at https://www.cityofsanrafael.org/request-for-interpretation/.
Minutes subject to approval at the meeting of April 15, 2025
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BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES
MINUTES
________________________________________________________________________
City Hall Large Conference Room, Third Floor
1400 5th Ave, San Rafael, CA
March 11, 2025 – 6:00 P.M.
Virtual Meeting Recording Link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q5Y73OZQ3G0
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Andow called the meeting to order at 6:02 P.M.
Roll Call
Present:
Trustee Kyle
Trustee Lee
Trustee Vahdat
Chair Andow
Absent:
Trustee Cortes
Also Present:
Daniel Avalos, Assistant Library & Recreation Director/City Librarian
Jinder Banwait, Administrative Analyst
Catherine Quffa, Library & Recreation Director
MINUTES
1. Approve Regular Meeting Minutes of January 14, 2025
Trustees provided comments.
The minutes of January 14, 2025 were approved as submitted.
Trustee Vahdat moved, and Trustee Lee seconded to approve the minutes of the
January 14, 2025 meeting.
Ayes: Trustees: Kyle, Lee, and Andow
Minutes subject to approval at the meeting of April 15, 2025
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Noes: Trustees: None
Absent: Trustees: Cortes
Abstain: Trustees: Vahdat
Minutes approved as submitted.
Chair Andow invited public comment; however, there was none.
OPEN TIME FOR PUBLIC EXPRESSION
Public Comment from the audience regarding items not listed on the agenda.
None
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
2. N/A
OTHER AGENDA ITEMS
3. Introduction to Library Policy Review Process
Staff responded to questions from the Trustees.
Trustees provided comments.
Chair Andow invited public comment; however, there was none.
4. Update on Library Organizational Structure
Staff responded to questions from the Trustees.
Trustees provided comments.
Chair Andow invited public comment; however, there was none.
STAFF LIAISON REPORT
5. Other brief program updates or reports on any meetings, conferences, and/or
seminars attended by staff.
Presentation by Daniel Avalos, Assistant Library & Recreation Director/City Librarian
and Catherine Quffa, Library & Recreation Director
Staff responded to questions from the Trustees.
Trustees provided comments.
COMMISSIONER REPORTS
Minutes subject to approval at the meeting of April 15, 2025
3
6. Other brief reports on any meetings, conferences, and/or seminars attended
by the Board members.
Trustees provided comments.
Chair Andow invited public comment for agenda item five and agenda item six;
however, there was none.
NEXT MEETING: April 15, 2025
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 6:57 P.M.
LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
AGENDA REPORT
April 15, 2025
Item #3
TITLE: UPDATE TO LIBRARY PROGRAMMING
RECOMMENDATION:
That the Board receive the report and provide comment.
BACKGROUND:
Over the past year, the library has continued to provide meaningful programs and
events while operating with limited staff capacity and adapting to the temporary
relocation of our Downtown Library due to renovations. Despite these challenges, we
have remained committed to delivering core services and ensuring our community ha s
access to engaging and educational opportunities. In the 2023 -2024 fiscal year, we
successfully offered 361 programs and events, serving 11,138 participants. These
programs supported literacy, lifelong learning, and community engagement, reinforcing
the library’s role as a vital resource for residents of all ages.
DISCUSSION:
We are actively strengthening partnerships, exploring innovative programming
opportunities, and strategically expanding our offerings to create a more dynamic and
enriching library experience. Building on last year’s programs, we are committed to
developing a robust schedule of events that foster learning, creativity, and connection.
As of the end of March 2025, in the 2024-2025 fiscal year, we have provided 331
programs and events, serving 11,801 participants, and we aim to further enhance our
offerings to better meet the needs and interests of our community.
New and Ongoing Programming
Throughout the 2024-2025 fiscal year, the library has continued to offer a diverse range
of programs that engage, educate, and inspire the community. Recent programs such
as Write Your Legacy, Art Talks, and Marin Master Gardeners have provided
opportunities for lifelong learning and creativity, while hands-on experiences like
Stargazing have brought science and discovery to life. For younger patrons, in addition
to our regularly scheduled Storytimes, our Reading Buddies and Math Club programs
have supported literacy and numeracy skills, reinforcing the library’s commitment to
student success.
Building on this foundation, we have introduced several new programs designed to
expand access and support learning. The Student MyCard initiative provides students
with easy access to library resources, while After School Reading and Homework Help
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offers much-needed academic support. The Filmmakers in Focus series highlights the
art of storytelling through film, and the Quarterly Classics Book Club for adults invites
readers to explore timeless literature. Additionally, passive programs like Valentine’s
Day Cardmaking Craft Bags and STEM Kits offer creative and educational take-home
activities, allowing patrons to engage with library resources in a flexible, self -directed
way.
Programs and Services Supporting Newcomers, Multilingual Families, and Immigrant
Communities
The library is committed to supporting newcomers, multilingual families, and immigrant
communities by offering programs and services that foster language development,
literacy, and social connection. The ESL Conversation Club, available both online and in
person at Pickleweed Library, provides a welcoming space for English learners to
practice their verbal skills with confidence. For families, Bilingual Storytime and
Pickleweed Preschool Visits introduce young children to English while celebrating their
home languages. Literacy initiatives such as Reading Buddies and the Community
Clinic Book Project ensure that children from diverse backgrounds have access to
books and reading support, strengthening their early learning experiences.
In addition to language-focused programs, the library offers culturally inclusive
opportunities for engagement. The Adult Spanish Book Club – Sabores Literarios and
Books Beyond Borders youth book club create spaces where Spanish-speaking and
first-generation readers can explore literature that reflects their experiences. The
Vietnamese and Spanish Senior Club, in collaboration with Recreation staff, fosters
social connections for older adults, while Drop-In Tech Help in Spanish empowers
patrons by bridging the digital divide. With dedicated programs like Math Club and After
School Homework Help, the library continues to provide educational support that meets
the unique needs of multilingual and immigrant communities, ensuring equitable access
to learning and growth opportunities.
Submitted by:
Daniel Avalos
Assistant Library & Recreation Director